The United States have a unique pressure when it comes to WBC play. They know they're home to the most elite baseball league. MLB is the destination for fame and fortune. So while 2013 was only the third iteration of the competition, people in the States were concerned that the US of A haven't already claimed a title or at least made the finals. With MLB being the elite league of baseball, that comes as a double edged sword, since many of the players in said league would rather concern themselves with their regular jobs and not so much for the WBC; Big contracts are awarded based on MLB success, not WBC.
But, America being America, they wouldn't settle for the excuse that they don't have *all* the best players in their country participating like everyone else were enjoying. So, looking to put their lackluster results of the past behind them, they rolled into 2013 looking to finally raise the gold. Instead, they were humbled 5-2 in their opening game against Mexico. Italy had beaten both Mexico and Canada by the next game and America prevented the sweep by winning 6-2. One game remained against Canada, and with Italy already advancing, the winner of this game would join them in round 2 while the loser went home. Failing here would be unacceptable for the host country as USA went to work and bashed Canada 9-4, advancing to round 2 and (with the tie breaker over Italy) winning Pool D.
Round 2 opened with America facing Puerto Rico, which they defeated 7-1 to put them just one win away from the semi-finals. Getting there would be an issue as the Dominican Republic stood in their way and won 3-1, putting America in the losers bracket. Now in a winner-take-all elimination game, America found themselves in a rematch with Puerto Rico, who got the revenge win 4-3. America would have to wait four years to finally get a WBC title, as well as revenge against both PR and DR.
Bell will strike dudes out and handle his outs, but with a control of 1, I'm not thrilled about a Closer who allows doubles.
Solid relief chart if you're not concerned with striking guys out.
High risk high reward is the name of the game.
Bloomquist has a very poor chart, but his defensive variety and 9 on-base makes him at least an option on the bench,
Normally a pitcher what waits until 18 on his chart to allow baserunners is a good choice, but not when they have 0 control.
Not a full season since Braun would get suspended in 2013 for admitted steroid use. Play all Braun cards with that in mind...
Remember before when I said I don't like my Closers giving up doubles? Cishek is a better choice with that logic.
Collins brings the standard chart for a 5 control pitcher. A solid choice against most opponents.
Oof. 19-20 doubles and allows runners before a 16 roll? No thanks.
Dickey had just won a Cy Young award and signed a big deal with the Blue Jays. But his chart and WBC performance showed he wasn't quite the elite knuckleballer anymore and a bit more human now.
Gonzalez is another pretty acceptable control-to-chart relationship.
Gregerson has the chart that would go well with a control of 2 or under, so pairing it with his 3 control is a huge positive.
Pitchers with a 2 for control are always awkward. You can always find a better chart or control guy to use.
Maybe I'm being petty, but 17-20 hit pitchers with 5 control always gives me reason to worry. I'd prefer 16-17 walk, 18-20 hit guys because you'll inevitably be in a situation where you give up a 17 in a critical situation and suddenly instead of a walk it's a hit that has a runner from 2nd trying to score.
Eric Hosmer, the "he's ok, I guess" 1st Baseman. Nothing bad, but you yearn for some part of his game to be better in order to justify him.
Not the defense you wanna see in a guy you have playing outfield, but his chart shows that he can make it up with some offense.
Here's a preferred big time Closer. Control of 5, no doubles, lots of strikeouts.
Ignore his 1B eligibility, you won't be playing Jonathan there. The chart looks bad for a 1st Baseman while pretty solid for a Catcher. And that +8 behind the plate should remove all doubt.
See above for why Joe Mauer shouldn't be your 1st Baseman. The 10 on-base is a nice consolation for a weaker chart.
Unless you have a Closer like Kimbrel above at your disposal, Perkins is a very good choice to close out games.
Poor Vinnie. The above image for him shows why pitchers with a 1 for control aren't always the best option in a critical situation.
Phillips was never a big guy on defense.
Not the peak of Rollins' career at this point. He has more valuable WBC in the past as well.
2013 turned into one of the many injury filled Stanton seasons. Still, a limited season made him into a better card than most guys who played injury free.
A solid all around card for Victorino. An unusual departure form his crazier
Showdown creations.
Thin chart, but a control of 1 is always a bigger risk than I'd like.
All-WBC David Wright holds down the hot corner with great on-base, speed and defense to go with a nice chart.
Everyone's favorite utility player has great defense and on-base to find a place on your bench.
